As Chelsea fight to turn around their awful season, Blues youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek labels the FA Cup as a ‘competition we have to win.’
The 19-year-old, who fired in his first professional goal in the 2-0 win over Scunthorpe United at the weekend, spoke to the media following the progression into the fourth round of a cup that the Blues last won in 2011, beating Liverpool 2-1.
Young English international Loftus-Cheek netted following Costa’s third goal in four games.
Last time Hiddink was in charge at Stamford Bridge, the Dutchman led the Blues to FA Cup glory, beating Everton in the final in 2009, with Frank Lampard netting the winning goal from range.
Loftus-Cheek is adamant that the team must give their interim boss everything they have in order to bring the cup back to West London.
Even if we were doing really well in the Premier League it’s still a competition we’d want to win. But this season I think we should really want to win it. The Premier League hasn’t gone that well, so I think this is a competition we’ve got to win.
Right now I’m happy to play anywhere – right-back, left-back, wherever! I feel a bond with the fans and it’s a really good feeling to have them behind me.
After impressing in training, Hiddink admitted that Blues fans could expect to see more of the young midfielder who has been impressing in training recently.
The Blues find out who their fourth round opponent is come 7pm UK time tonight.
